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Police highlight dangers of drink driving

POLICE are reminding residents of the danger of drink driving as more people are expected to be in bars and pubs watching games during the World Cup.

As part of the ‘watch your game’ campaign, Thames Valley and Hampshire Police have issued reminders about the consequences of drink driving- both the morning after as well as the night before.

Every year in June TVP take part in the national anti-drink driving campaign and will be carrying out drink/drug operations at all times throughout the day and night.

Every driver involved in a collision will also be breathalysed as a matter of course.

Lucy Hutson, head of roads policing for Thames Valley and Hampshire said: "Our message is simple: don’t drink and drive.

"It’s simply not worth the risk. Drinking late into the evening and then getting up early for work is not a good combination; just because you’ve had a few hours sleep doesn’t mean all the alcohol has left your system, and you could still be driving to work over the limit.

"With the World Cup taking place lots of us will be watching a match while drinking a few beers and the temptation to drive yourself home can be high, but it is just not worth a criminal conviction, possible prison term, driving ban, and even losing your job.

"We’re often asked how much you can drink before you are over the limit. Any amount of alcohol affects your coordination and judgement. The simplest and safest option for everyone is simply not to drink if you plan to drive."

As well as aiming to reduce the number of people who are killed or injured as a result of drink-driving, police have issued some of the other consequences of receiving a criminal conviction;

Your car insurance could go up. Having a criminal record will make it extremely difficult to get any other kind of insurance

To buy a mortgage you have to disclose any unspent convictions

You may not be able to travel to America if you have a criminal conviction. Travelling to a country where you need a visa or a working permit can be very difficult with a criminal record.

Colleges and universities will have their own policies about misconduct and getting in trouble with the police could have a knock on effect with your education

Lying to your employer on any kind of application which asks you to disclose any criminal convictions could be seen as fraud and lead to a further conviction

Getting into trouble with the law could be seen as gross misconduct by your employer and you could lose your job

Having a criminal record could make it very difficult for you to get another job

Do you know someone who drinks or takes drugs and drives? Call the police and report them on 101 or, if it’s an emergency dial 999. If you don’t want to speak to the police or give your name, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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